“Cache County, located in the northern part of the state, is bordered by the Wasatch Mountains on the east and a spur of the Wasatch, the Wellsville Mountains, on the west. The Bear River flows through the northwestern corner of the county where the Little Bear, Blacksmith Fork, and Logan rivers add their waters to it. Cache County was formed in 1856 by the territorial legislature and its boundaries were redefined in 1864 when part of Cache became Richland (Rich) County.”

“Northern Utah was part of the Plains Culture area and, later, Shoshoni territory. Between 1824 and 1855 Cache Valley was repeatedly visited by trappers and explorers. Among the early trappers in the area were James Weber and Jim Bridger in 1824 and Peter Skene Ogden and James Beckwourth in 1825. This Valley became an important rendezvous and resort for fur traders. James Bridger was one of the greatest frontiersmen of Utah and American history. During his lifetime he was a hunter, trapper, trader, and guide, and one of only a few trappers to remain in the Rockies after the demise of the fur trade.” http://historytogo.utah.gov

BRP8041

Lady Sheila of WM Farms

http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=214413

http://www.offa.org/results.html?all=SR28455001&x=11&y=1

Name:	Lady Sheila of WM Farms		Sire: SR08543608
Registration:	AKC Golden Retriever		Dam: SR13639603
Sex:	Female
Color:	Medium Golden
Birthdate:	August 20, 2005

OFA Number	Registry	Test/Film Date	Report Date	Age	Final Conclusion
GR-31282	CERF	September 12, 2007	September 12, 2007	25	Tested 06,07
GR-93638G24F-PI	HIPS	August 24, 2007	September 19, 2007	24	GOOD
GR-EL16457F24-PI	ELBOW	August 24, 2007	September 19, 2007	24	NORMAL

Test Performed: prcd Mutation Test for PRA

Optigen Accession #: 08-686 February 4, 2008

Sample Type: Blood

Test Results: Genotype of Sheila is Normal/Clear.

Risk for developing prcd-PRA: This dog will NEVER develop the prcd form of PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy). Note that PRA in Golden Retrievers appears to consist of at least two different genetic defects. Neither of which are found in Sheila.

Significance for breeding: Genetically Normal/Clear dogs can be bred to any dog and will produce no pups affected with the prcd form of PRA. Percentage wise, Sheila is one of the very few breeding females in North America today that has been proactively tested for this genetic eye disease.

Natural Upland Game Hunter

Training Emphases – Pheasant, Mt. Grouse, Hunt Test, Obedience, Frisbee

Owner/Trainer: Jed Packer/Steve Shaver

5/5/08: Sheila is currently working toward her SH title. Her advanced training is being completed by Steve Shaver at http://mooseheadretrievers.com/ Steve has years of experience with Hunt and Field tests. He likes what he sees and tells me she has what it takes to work through hunt trials. We are excited to see her progress.

Sheila: A proven upland hunter! From a healthy litter of 11, she’s a retrieving machine with confidence on land and especially in water. A strong family trait evidenced in her progeny. Sheila possesses what we think is a main component in the hunter’s dog, cooperative behavior. This makes working with her in the field an absolute pleasure. She’s not an independent, “my way”; raise the blood pressure kind of dog. She’s a natural working dog with heart and natural inborn instincts. Sheila is very much an eye to eye contact dog. It creates a personal training atmosphere where there’s focus, determination and a desire to learn. She’s a good looking medium colored girl with good bone. She’s 23” tall weighing in at 65 pounds. She’s lightly feathered; flat coated and grows a tremendous down layer in the winter which has proven out on our snowshoe overnighters. She has really nice angulation blending front and rear actions for a smooth, graceful and sure footed gait. She is eager to please, intelligent, a powerful swimmer, with a high endurance, excellent nose, cold weather proven and very trainable. Our extended family owns and farms several hundred acres in Northern Utah. As a result, Sheila’s passion is hunting pheasants around the Bear River and grouse in the Wasatch Mountains. She is amateur trained and handled. Very fast on downed birds and very disappointed if we miss. Besides her regular upland game hunting, we are currently working her into the Hunt Trials. Currently at the SH level with water, land, blind, double retrieves, pick up on command and delivers to hand. I am currently working her to piles using hand and whistle commands. I have also worked her at Field Trial distances on marking at well over 100 yards. The last couple of years, Sheila has been a regular visitor to our daughters elementary school who passed away in May 2008. While there, my 9 year old confidently demonstrated Sheila’s obedience and tricks in front of her classmates. Afterwards, Sheila always enjoys a good mauling by the children. With a nice ON/OFF switch, she exhibits her all purpose attitude as she spends time playing in the backyard with our 4 children or curled up on her pillow for an evening with the family.

For health history, I’ve completed most lines back many generations. Some ancestral lines have been completed all the way to the early 1900 original Lord Tweedmouth dogs. Notable family members include: FC-AFC Mioak's Smokin Zeke, Am./Can./Aust. CH. Ranchosierra El Chicco, FC/AFC Sungold Lad's Talisman 0S/FDHF and many other excellent dogs. She is not a line breed dog. Her COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding = 0%) We concentrate on positive field training methods using e-collar reinforcement. She’s proven herself as a valuable hunter and wonderful family companion.

Ruby’s Prairie Sunrise of WM Farms

http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=283842

Owner/Trainer: Jed Packer/Steve Shaver

With her signature dark golden coat, early focus and happy demeanor, 6 month old Ruby is doing great. Right now, we are working on her basic obedience and single bumpers. She is birdy and flat out fast. My 6 year old son and Ruby play tag in the back yard. When they tire, he lays his head on her tummy and they stare at the sky. What a life! A couple a weeks ago I introduced her to the hunting slough. Later this summer, Ruby will spend several weeks with Steve Shaver as she begins to work on her Hunt Test basics. We like what we see early on. I’m dedicating this wonderful puppy to my daughter Clarissa.

Tribute to Clarissa

We found out on Clarissa’s 10^th birthday just before Christmas 07’ that she has a stage 3 astrocytoma located in the center of her brain. Clarissa passed away 5 months later on May 23, 2008. We traveled 90 miles to Salt Lake City for 42 days of intense chemo and radiation without success. She amazed everyone with her courage, kindness and never once complained. It is an honor to be called her father as I learned more from her than she can ever imagine. We wish to thank everyone especially friends, family, employers and neighbors for your thoughts, prayers and kind acts. We also wish to thank the individuals and organizations of: Primary Children’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Macey’s, Associated Foods and Providence Elementary. Your acts of help and kindness have changed our lives for good. Clarissa loved golden retrievers and especially puppies. In her lifetime she loved, kissed and held all the puppies from both Sheila’s litters. Consider them kissed by an angel! Like me, Clarissa loved to be outside. She loved to walk in the fields with Sheila, Ruby and me. She loved to garden and sell her home grown lettuce and our Jam & salsa at our local farmers markets. She is sorely missed and often thought of. A tribute to my daughter: My Sweet Clarissa

November 2007 Northern Utah Pheasant Hunt Report

First of all, no one can remember the last time there’s been so many birds. A wonderful and healthy population in Northern UT. I also have to thank my In-laws & brother-in-Laws. They’re great company and I get hot waffles from my mother-in-law before every hunt! With 4 dogs and 5 hunters we spent our time in what we call the slough. It’s a 50 acre piece with an assortment of vegetation including dense cattails, swamp grass and chest high bulrush. It’s a modern day paradise for a pheasant that requires a determined dog and hunter alike. Three of us pushed through the center while 2 other family members shadowed the outside of a U shaped depression surrounded by cut corn and hay fields. We had a nice yellow lab out of the Midwest, 2 German shorthairs and Sheila. The dogs hunted hard and impressed all. Our flushers and pointers seem to work well together as we enjoyed a very successful and safe hunt. One of the morning highlights included a downed bird that drifted some distance from us into some dense brush. Sheila marked it well and took off. About 4 minutes later, back she came with bird in mouth trotting towards our line as if to say “Don’t worry guys, I got your back.” She impressed all! At just over 2 years old she has made remarkable improvement in the field since last year. She is in the prime of her life and we really enjoy getting out and spending time in the field. Traversing through dense and rough terrain is exhausting for the dogs. Their eyes, nose and feet take a real beating and often get scratched and poked. It takes a determined dog to get in and really hunt these areas. It’s hard to believe I get such drive and desire from a female that enjoys jogging with my wife, playing with my 5 year old son or training in a nearby field. I couldn’t be more pleased with her versatility and attitude.

'07%20Pheasant%20Hunt0001 BRP8311a

Philosophy:

The success of our future Golden Retriever populations falls squarely on the quality of the sires and dams used with each new generation. Their degree of excellence is expressed in the earned titles, field work, conformation, attitude and health. The history of the Golden Retriever began around the early 1900’s in Scotland, with the original intent of developing the perfect hunting dog for both sport and sustenance. With meticulous record keeping a handful of people like Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, a British aristocrat, who later became the first Lord Tweedmouth, from Brook House, Park Lane, London dedicated their lives in the development of this breed. While careless & rampant breeding happen in earnest today, there a many breeders that continue the original intent while adding sporting breed qualities. Powerful, active dogs, that are structurally sound and well balanced. Golden Retrievers possess a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Any breeder becomes a steward & contributor to the outcome this wonderful breed. As such, methodical consideration should be given to each new life. According to the AKC the Golden Retriever is a Sporting Breed. They love to work with a “Give me a job” attitude. Sure, Goldens make great family members, their great with kids and are highly trainable. Because of their versatility, many people are proving how much more they can become. Goldens are excelling in agility trials, as impairment companions, rescue dogs, hunt trials and field tests. We keep these goals in mind with any new litter. Besides all this, they love to hunt. The opportunity for most folks to hunt, train or prove this fine breed is diminishing or difficult logistically. Today’s Hunt, Agility and Field test programs offer a wonderful option and are set up to prove dog & owner capabilities. Fortunately, we have family members that own or have access to 100’s of acres of prime farmland in Northern UT. It’s where the rubber hits the roads for us as find to out what kind sporting bred dogs we really have. We hunt and train on wild birds in all kinds of terrain. Young dogs are trained at bird ranches giving them confidence with each success. Obedience and desire are a must. Wanting the best multi-purpose Golden Retrievers means breeding to the highest quality field and obedience studs available. Our goal with each litter is to produce golden retrievers with desire, trainability and easy to live with temperaments. We look for dogs with classic field bred conformation & drive. Meaning, pups will have good bone alignment, deep chests, agile, go all day, athletic bodies. Good health is of utmost importance to us therefore; both parents will have their health clearances. Best of all, regardless of how you use them; they’ll be wonderful members of your family. Puppies will be well socialized and include a puppy pack with pedigrees and other helpful information. They will be vet checked, dewclaws removed, wormed and vaccinated. The Golden's desire to please is legendary-making them a top obedience competitor and first-rate companion.

Retrieving desire: Dogs have different degrees of interest in retrieving. Greater the drive, then the greater the chance of overall success in training and competitive performance. One can have pulsating drive but if paired with a lack of intelligence or a low degree of tractability, then the dog will probably not be successful.

Intelligence: Dogs, like people, have different levels of intelligence. The smarter dog progresses more quickly in training and also retains more than one who has a lesser degree of native intelligence.

Tractability: This is a very important characteristic of the elite retriever. The ideal dog should be easy to control and be malleable. The opposite of tractability is stubbornness and a dog that is prone to be dishonest and purposefully look for ways to defy the instructions of the handler.

To make this happen, you MUST spend the time with them!

Litter Information

We do not have any puppies at this time. For our next breeding we are seriously considering High Times Hot Shot Hawkins MH (Master National Finalist) (http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=50820) or NDC NMFR RockErin Red River Ruckus ***. (Derby List (2 firsts) also 51 pts Derby NFRA) (http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=125212) After some research, I discovered Hawks line carries 6 unbroken generations of Master Hunters. The longest unbroken generational chain I can find in North America. I’d say that’s a pretty convincing attribute being breed into his lines. Red is basically ripping it up in field trials who recently added another amateur during the spring 08. Based on what we are seeing from Sheila’s other kids, we expect some very nice puppies. For the next few months I’m going to work with Sheila and Ruby on hunt tests and upland skills. Check back for an updated announcement. Meanwhile, happy training!

Puppy Owners Page

Opie X Shiela Litter 2007: To Darrell and family. We are very sorry and saddened to hear about the loss of Hickory. Hickory was killed spring 08’ in a farming accident at his ranch in Nevada. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Colleen from California contacted me looking for a rescue dog from the Sheila & Push litter. She described what she was looking for in behavior, drive and sociality. I was pretty confident in the litter but I have to admit in the back of my mind I was keeping my fingers crossed. When Colleen arrived at our house I handed her a nice female and told her that I believe this is the one for her. She took the puppy into our garage and ran Maddie through a series of tests used to exploit disposition and the behavior necessary to aid in her success as a rescue dog. Maddie passed with high marks; Colleen smiled and said “We’ll Take Her!”

“Hi Jed,

Maddie has moved right in and taken control. She is just a lovely, smart, little girl, but a goofball! This picture is from her first training day at Search and Rescue 3/29/08. At this age the trainers play age appropriate games with her to socialize her with other trainers, and we encourage her to clamber over all the stuff in the disaster zone. She gets to follow around the big dogs when they are doing ground search problems - Socializing her to other dogs of various ages and introducing her to the trained behaviors. What I think is funny, is that I need to train Maddie to bark. She’s not a barker and she has to bark to alert us of a “find” - for up to 30 seconds non-stop when she does testing – so I am teaching her to bark on command at the moment. Anyway, she starts puppy kindergarten next Monday night. Thank you again for gifting us with such a precious girl.”

Maddie3

Ann & Grant contacted me from NM where they raise and train horses on a beautiful ranch. They were looking for an all purpose Golden that would fit into their active lifestyle. The Push X Sheila litter caught their eye and we are very happy it did. It looks like Heidi has a wonderful family in a beautiful part or the country.

“Hi Jed,

Everything is going great! Heidi has grown so much. She is undoubtedly the most athletic puppy we have ever had. We love her temperament. Just a sweetheart! She is very eager to learn and has some of the basic commands down - which is amazing because she is still so young. She's been great with the horses and other animals. I have attached a couple of pictures that capture her spirit and her beauty.

We could not have done any better.

Thanks!

Ann and Grant”

Heidi

Once in a while something happens in life that brings a person back to earth. In the race to raise and train great multi-purpose goldens sometimes the human touch gets lost in all of it. This was case between a very special girl and her very special golden retriever. Several months ago Marta called me from Washington State. She told me that her 13 year old daughter had found my website and really, really wanted a puppy from the Opie litter. She’d looked at several sites but told her mother that there was a female in that litter especially for her. At first, I smiled and figured it was the sweet dream of a 13 year old girl. Miquela (Mekayla) insisted, had been saving for some time and sent in a deposit. She told me her name would be Kola. A Native American name that means friend. Miquela and her father drove to Utah from Washington when Kola turned 8 weeks old to pick her up. Here’s the rest of the story. Meanwhile, I was unaware that my 9 year old daughter Clarissa had fallen in love with Kola. She played with her everyday. Because of the demeanor of Kola I decided she’d be the right one for Miquela. Clarissa happened to be there when Miquela, her father and brother arrived. I asked Clarissa to go get the puppy we’d chosen for Miquela. When she handed Kola over to Miquela, Clarissa ran inside. After they left, I came inside to see where Clarissa had run off to. My wife motioned to her room and explained what had been going on the last several weeks. I tried to explain to saddest 9 year old in town that we have a nice dog and that Miquela needed a nice dog too. As a father, this was one of those tough ones. Recently, Marta sent me and e-mail and a picture. It’s extremely heart-warming and worth sharing.

“Dear Jed,

When she first came to your place in August, I was on business travel so I called her and asked her what she thought of Kola at first sight and she said "She's perfect." Ever since, Kola is known in our neighborhood as the luckiest dog on the planet. She even wags her tail as she walks with Miquela. After Miquela came to your place to pick up kola with her father and brother, they went on to Olympia Washington to Ashley Creek Farm which has been in my family for decades (www.ashleycreek.com). Kola was able to run and play to her hearts delight. The real heart that was delighted was Miquela's. I've never seen a child so taken with an animal and I grew up with several. If ever two souls were intended to meet it was Kola and Miquela. For the last 3 months Kola has enjoyed living in Naples California near the famous canals and a huge dog park where she has many friends. Things are going very well, and she is now about 40 pounds of pure joy.”

Best Regards from a very happy parent, Marta.

Kola

Josh and Lisa of UT stopped by to pick out a replacement hearing impaired therapy dog. Unfortunately, they lost their lab to an accident. It was a bitter/sweet evening as they discussed what happened. I quickly learned about the time and effort it takes to train a hearing impaired dog. They decided to spend the next several years with one of Sheila’s daughters. Good Choice! They needed an intelligent, strong natured dog that was willing to serve them for years to come. We are very excited for them as they’ve already begun their training. Here’s what they have to say about Akhila the oldest daughter and first born of the Opie litter.

“Hi Jed-

Things are going better than we really expected. Akhila is just so cute and all the neighbor kids love to come and see her when we take her on walks or just hang out in the front yard. I'm surprised how well she kennel trained and potty trained She's got "Sit" down pat, including responding only to hand gestures without voicing, and we're currently working on "Down" and "Off" (as in off the couch.) She is doing great with the clicker training. The few things we've been working on at home are the timer beeping and she can lead us to the small hand timer we have when it goes off. She can go and "get" Josh when I need him but we're still working on the whole sequence of her leading him back to me. Akhila just figured out one day how to ring the bell on our back door to go outside. For 2 weeks we would just ring it before taking her out so she associated the sound. I was shocked to see her stand up and touch it the first time so soon! One thing she loves to do is hold hands. She will lift her paw for us to hold it and pet the hair under her front paws. She will let us do that for hours but when we sit and pet her head she always puts her paws up on us. She is really beautiful and has a great personality.”

Lisa1

George and Shirley of ID, a retired couple, with a zest for life and love of golden retrievers made the long drive from Northern ID to meet Sheila and pick out their puppy, Sunny. A beautiful female with a medium golden coat. We had a wonderful visit and found out how much they really love their dogs! Here’s what they had to say after picking their puppy.

“Hi Jed, Thank you, thank you, and thank you. We are loving our little puppy girl. She is so smart. I can tell that she is going to be the best dog we have ever had. Jed, here are some recent pics of Sunny. She has had real good exercise this winter, going cross country skiing with me and George also takes her out to run. She loves the snow. So she is very muscular and well filled out as you can see. Isn't she beautiful?”

sunny1

Andy & Shawna of ID attended a dog show in a nearby city during the spring 07’. They saw conformation, agility, obedience and rally competitions. They wanted to match the right breed to their situation. I was most impressed by how much homework they did. I’m even more impressed with how they are helping sweep develop. They came away convinced that a field bred golden was the right thing for them. In addition to being a family dog, Andy plans to hunt with his golden. As a full time police officer, Andy is considering putting Sweep through a drug dog training program. Wow! This is very exciting news as we wish Andy, Shawna and Sweep all the best!

“Spring has finally come here and we can get Sweep out and about more. He passed his beginning agility 4H class last week. Today we had him out at the river retrieving. He loves to fetch in the water and his focus was incredible. This is the most unusual dog I have ever owned, and I mean that in the best way. His desire to try things and learn is amazing and as to his retrieving... well lets just say that if it is thrown he will bring it back, regardless. He is in puppy agility and doing great. He is not afraid of anything.”

Sweep1 Sweep

The decision to bring a golden retriever into your home is one that will have a profound effect on your life. Puppies are adorable but they grow up. Buy a pup because you want great companion & friend. For dog and owner satisfaction our pups should go to active homes. Anyway you look at it, 60+ lbs of hairy dog can't help but make an impact in your life. They are considered a large breed so make sure you’re ready for the time and commitment needed before taking the plunge. They don’t do well when chained or left alone for hours in a 6x10 kennel day after day. This is torture to a Golden so don’t bother calling unless you have the time, patience and facilities to accommodate such a dog. Golden Retrievers are bred with brains, beauty, love for people of all ages, good health, and a desire to work. So why do I mention all this? Picking a puppy is serious stuff. After all you’re making a decision that will last the next 10-15 years. If you’re looking for a quality purebred Golden, don’t go BARGAIN HUNTING. Whether you purchase a puppy from me or not, find a responsible breeder, breeding good dogs with health clearances and conformance to breed standards. They’re an expense; so fall in love with a well bred puppy. As individual puppy personalities vary, we will try and match the golden to your wants and needs. This can be done best after a few weeks when they are up and going. If this type of golden fits your activity level and lifestyle, give us a call or email.

Photo Gallery

For nearly 13 years Brent and I have traveled the Western United States photographing some of the most amazing country and animals the west has to offer. Yellowstone elk and grizzly in addition to southern Utah’s beautiful canyon lands rank at the top of my list.

BRP8011 BRP4249-72dpi

Litter2

BRP3198a-1